Why do people become more famous when they're already dead?

That is actually sad, people just do not appreciate others when they are still alive- same goes for non famous people

because their masterpiece (which is probably not really their best yet) is frozen in time and people will always be left wondering if that person had lived, would he/she have made a better one?

Hi stanley, back in van Gogh's time, or even Keats, as well as the many artists and musicians who lead miserable, poverty-stricken lives, marketing, press release, mass media, and technology were still to be conceptualized and invented. Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven were also limited to composing their masterpieces in substandard pianos. But genius and talent prevail. And great works of art and music will never die. That is why we put these geniuses in their proper places - the pedestal. I hope that we recognize the true artists from he copycats or trying wannabes now. Everyone seems to portray their intelligences when there is none. Let us recognize those who are deserving and yet not given much limelight.

This is one of great problems which men of genius faced during their lifetime.I was reading in a book called cosmos by Carl Sagan that Sir Isaac newton would give lectures to an empty class in other words there was no one to appreciate him.More than wealth it is the lack of appreciation and recognition which hurts people of such talent.I feel the reason could be they are far ahead of the average people to be fully understood.

Indeed,there are many examples like your description about famous people.Maybe in their lifetime,people don't care more about them.Maybe their masterpieces are not found by people around them.Once people have the chance to recognize their masterpieces,they become famous to us.

I saw the movie "Bright Star" I was touched. It's just sad that John Keats became famous when he was gone. I think that's the irony of life people just noticed when it's too late. But for the younger generation, it become a HISTORY.

This is true for almost anyone as when we pass others come to our wakes that perhaps never took the time before and cherish us while we lay in the casket, bring flowers and speak wonderfully of us. The ones you mention perhaps did not have the security within to express themselves while they were alive to make their work more available to the public. Initially those who like and or valued their work unfortunately did not publicly cherish it, to the point where it was in the public eye enough for others to appreciate it.